Tribunal gives fresh verdict on Governor Obaseki's re-election

The Edo state governorship election petition tribunal has again upheld the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the last gubernatorial poll.

The tribunal also dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) which challenged the victory of Governor Obaseki, Channels TV reports.

This verdict was passed on behalf of the tribunal by Justice Chukwudi Nwakwo after the counsel to the AA, Steven Osaigbovo, failed to appear during the hearing.

Consequently, the tribunal ruled that the petitioner is believed to have withdrawn the case and thus dismissed the suit.

The AA also mentioned as respondents in the suit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, released a statement following his defeat at the Edo governorship election.

Ize-Iyamu lost to the incumbent governor and candidate of the PDP, Godwin Obaseki who polled a total number of 307,955 to defeat his main challenger who scored 223,619.

VAM News reported that after collating and sorting of the election results, the electoral umpire declared that Obaseki won 13 local governments out of the 18 local government areas of the state.

In his official reaction after INEC's declaration, Ize-Iyamu thanked and appreciated his supporters for their support and determination during the election just as he claimed that they "had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting".

The APC governorship candidate said he is studying the results of the election and will soon announce his next move.

"I thank and appreciate my supporters, who had to endure many evils including being prevented from voting, for their support and determination during the election.

"I assure you all that I am studying the results along with other party members and will announce my next move soon," he tweeted.

Nigerian Pastor allegedly defiles 5-year-old girl in few days to his wedding(photos)